Lawmaker endorses vice guv for guv

VICE Governor Genaro Alvarez confirmed Tuesday he was endorsed by first district Representative Jules Ledesma IV as candidate of the United Negros Alliance (UNA) for the top position in the province for the 2013 elections.

"He has been lobbying for me. Maybe because he wants me," Alvarez said.

Alvarez and Ledesma reportedly met in Manila with former Ambassador
Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., the founder of UNA and chair of the Nationalist
People's Coalition in Metro Manila. In that meeting, Ledesma reportedly asked Cojuangco that Alvarez be UNA’s candidate for governor in 2013.

Alvarez said he will not refuse any endorsement by the party. "I could also retire if they want me to retire," he said.

Alvarez also confirmed he had lunch with Cojuangco and Kabankalan City Mayor Isidro Zayco in Balbina, Pontevedra, last June 19.

Alvarez said that UNA, in previous elections, would call all congressmen and the province’s highest officials under the party to a convention to discuss among them the candidates for governor, vice governor, and representatives for the six districts of the province.

Meanwhile, Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., in an interview Monday, confirmed he was not invited during the two meetings called by Cojuangco. The governor also pointed out that there is no rift between him and the vice governor.

Alvarez also denied reports of any rift with Marañon.